More Topics

Weather Forecast

Howard Nelson, 81

Howard was born July 30, 1932 in Gilchrist Township to Helma (Bakko) and Ingval Nelson. His mother passed away when he was 4 years old and his uncles, Martin and Helmer Bakko, raised him.

Howard attended country school at District 2 and attended Brooten High School. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Brooten.

Howard was drafted into the U.S. Army on March 10, 1953. He took basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. On July: 25, 1953 Pastor Magnus J. Rohne united him in marriage to Grace Jergenson at the Rolling Forks Lutheran Church. Shortly after the wedding, he went to Korea and served with the 378th Armored Engineers for 17 months. Howard was honorably discharged in January 1955.

Howard farmed from 1956 to1990. He also did road maintenance and heavy construction work. On December 8, 1990 they moved to Alexandria and he did road maintenance. He was licensed with his wife for daycare in their home. In September 2012, Howard retired due to lung cancer.

Howard loved the Lord, his wife and his family. He volunteered his time to help out wherever he could at church. He held many offices in the church including the first treasurer, president, trustee and others.

Howard loved music; he soloed at many funerals and church services. He was self-taught to play piano, accordion and guitar. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and was fluent in the Norwegian language.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother.

Howard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Grace Nelson of Alexandria; three children, Randy Nelson of Alexandria, Terri Hoff and husband, John, of Alexandria, and Larry Nelson and wife, Margie, of Morris; grandchildren, Nathan Hoff and wife, Amber, Nicolle Schlosser and husband, Paul, Benjamin Nelson and wife, Tara, and Molly Nelson and friend, Eric Sanford; three great-grandchildren, Lilli, Dylan and soon-to-be, Payton Rae; two brothers, Harold Nelson of Lincoln, AR and Jim Nelson and wife, LeeAnn, of Wyoming, MN; sister, Margie Nelson of Glenwood; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 5 at 1:30 p.m. at Scandia Lutheran Church in Gilchrist Township near Glenwood. The Rev. Ronald Knutson will officiate. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Casket bearers include Nathan Hoff, Amber Hoff, Nicolle Schlosser, Paul Schlosser, Benjamin Nelson, Tara Nelson, Molly Nelson and Eric Sanford. Honorary casket bearers include Lamont Mounsdon, Steven Bakko, Amy Roers, Rodney Roers and members and friends of Scandia Lutheran Church.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, American Legion Post 87 and the Minnesota National Guard will accord military honors.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Anderson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday.